EXCLUSIVE: Drew Pearce has been chosen by Marvel Studios to write Iron Man 3. Robert Downey Jr. will reprise his signature Tony Stark role, and Marvel recently locked Downey’s Kiss Kiss Bang Bang helmer Shane Black to direct. Pearce got the job after writing the script for Runaways, a Marvel project based on the cult comic by Lost writer Brian K. Vaughan about children of super villains who try to use their evil powers for heroic purposes. Pearce is the British writer who created the irreverent UK TV series No Heroics, about a bar hangout for superheroes, who aren’t allowed to use their superpowers while drinking. That project had Nick & Nora’s Infinite Playlist director Pete Sollett attached and seemed on a fast track. It is still at Marvel, but the company is concentrating on its other big superhero franchises first.

Pearce is in talks to jump on one of Marvel’s biggest hits, and I’m told the plan is for him to start from scratch and work closely with Black. Iron Man 3 will be released May 3, 2013 through Disney.

19 Comments

I don’t give a d… Whoever is writting this thing: the Mandarin has to be the Villain!!!

Back in Black • on Mar 31, 2011 5:15 pm

Seriously, I hope Shane is at least co-writing.

And not to sound like an internet snarkdouche, but “No Heroics” was pretty lame.

cindercity • on Mar 31, 2011 5:38 pm

This doesn’t really excite me.One of my concerns with the other movies was that it had too much comedy and not enough science fiction and action.

I thought this would be remedied by hiring Shane Black who has a history of striking the right right balance between action and comedy.Black even confirmed 3 weeks ago he was writing the script.

Now this guy, who has only written British sitcoms is the new writer?What?And from what I’ve seen, most of his work isn’t very good.How did he get this job?

Alex • on Mar 31, 2011 6:29 pm

Drew who? Clearly Marvel is not planning on spending a whole lotta money/talent on this second sequel. Just like the Iron Man II this one will be mediocre, predictable and will do decent business. Just don’t expect anything epic.

Next!

Riggs • on Mar 31, 2011 7:31 pm

C’mon was Shane really hired for his directing experience? Not hating on his directing by the way. Loved “Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang.” I just figured why not have him at least co-write it.

WinstonMan78 • on Mar 31, 2011 7:32 pm

This sucks. Should be Jon Favreau directing. His take on the Iron Man franchise has been wonderful.

Flo Mo • on Apr 1, 2011 12:26 am

Except for that 2nd movie.

Let’s start 10 interesting plot threads, and not properly focus on any of them.

But at least there’s explosions!

Flo Mo • on Mar 31, 2011 10:55 pm

Why isn’t BKV writng the movie based on his comic book? The guy is super talented.

DVS • on Apr 1, 2011 5:06 am

I thought the same but apparently his draft was bad. Ideally Runaways should directed by Joss Whedon & scripted by BKV.

As for Drew Pearce – No Heroics was pretty poor. I hope Black has massive input.

Nobby • on Mar 31, 2011 11:33 pm

‘No Heroics’ is funny stuff. I hope Pearce can add some humor into Iron Man 3 plus I like Shane Black’s ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’. Here’s hoping this is going to be a sleeper hit.

Lydia Roberts • on Apr 1, 2011 6:40 am

It would be good if in the next one they include Bethany Cabe, Force, Rumiko Fujikawa, Guardsman, Maria Hill and Iron Man 2020.

Anything will be better than that charmless piece of crap, IM2. What a let down from the brilliant debut.

RobS • on Apr 1, 2011 9:23 am

Drew Pearce is absolutely brilliant, a British national treasure with an avid cult following — and I’m amazed, and impressed, that Marvel found him and accurately tapped him for this. All doubters and American couch potato commenters will be blown away. Good for Marvel, good for Drew, and a stunningly smart creative move. I’m psyched.

jayson • on Apr 1, 2011 10:53 am

I love it when you are backing into a release date without a script – I’m sure this will be top notch entertainment. When will studios realize that without a good product, the franchise will inevitably die. Good luck Drew.

Steve • on Apr 1, 2011 9:33 pm

No disrespect cause I’m not familiar with Pearce’s work but the deuce I just dropped in the bathroom could write a better script than Iron Man 2.

Hollywood Insider • on Apr 2, 2011 2:00 am

From what I have heard and understand Marvel is extremely, extremely tight-fisted and had already paid Pearce for a draft he has yet to write before they even hired Black. Now apparently they want that draft. This has nothing to do with Black who will have a free hand in both writing, re-writing and directing.

SHANE BLACK, as the director chosen, will follow his vision.
Because he comes from a writing background…he will work with this writer until this script is solid.
Black will have final say on the set; maybe not in the editing room.

This is a good starting point…so quit freakiung out!!!

Anon • on Apr 3, 2011 12:48 pm

Damn. I had hoped they were just going to use the Lethal Weapon script and replace Riggs with Stark and Murtough with Rhodey. Oh Well.

Maybe now that they have Pearce involved they’ll finally address the fact Tony’s a drunk. C’mon, Marvel, give me Demon in a Bottle while you still have Jr. on the payroll.